Int'l Travel is Broken - Thailand Pass experience (long)

[Marvest]

This is an accurate representation of my experience while traveling in early December 2021.  It's meant to serve as a benefit to other who travel after me.  If you have additional or conflicting information, please do share.

 

Date of travel: December 10, 2021

Flights: Delta DEN-SEA, Delta SEA-ICN, Korean Air 653 ICN-BKK

Type of airfare: standby and reserved

Passengers: 2 (my wife and I).  My son traveled separately on AA via Dallas/Tokyo on the same day.

 

Key takeaways:

1) Thailand Pass does not except .pdf files.  It's best to convert .pdf files to .jpg or .png before

2) RT-PCR test is NOT a "rapid test."  Be sure to get a full PCR test. Results are process in a lab and turn around takes several hours.

3) You need your PCR test result BEFORE boarding the plane.  

4) It's best to print all your documents instead of relying on digital documents on your mobile device. 

5) Thailand Pass takes 3 to 7 days for approval.

6) Plan extra time for check-in

7) Morchana, the Thailand Pass phone app is broken

 

The pre-departure process in general was full of anxiety for me because there are so many new requirements that must work in harmony and in certain sequence all along the way beginning with the online application.  Certain bookings and requirements have to be made in advance of approval with no certainty about outcome.

 

Warning: Asia is serious about COVID-19 protocols

 

If you are one of those people that think COVID is a hoax or overblown, Dr. Fuaci is a conspiracy theorist, COVID is a government plot to take away your freedom or make you conform, or think the US government’s response to COVID is ‘overreach’, or you simply think it’s okay to bend the rules for masks and vaccines (including not wearing masks that covers your nose), let me save you some trouble; Don’t travel abroad during the pandemic.  Countries in Asia haves strict rules about COVID avoidance and mask wearing.  They are serious and they do not mess around.  Asians are 100% compliant and some wear face shields or other PPE at airports in addition to masks.  Proper masks must be worn properly (over the nose!) at ALL TIMES in airports, lounges, on airport transportation and on planes except when eating.  In my case I had to wear a mask for 31 hours straight and only removed it temporarily to eat.  Gators and cloth masks don’t comply.  There is no opportunity to step outside or remove your mask when you are transit.  Also, if you think the vaccine is a method to track people, and don’t like that, don’t go.  Once you arrive in Thailand you must voluntarily download a government tracking app on your phone.  You must upload a selfie, personal identification information, test results and other information along the way.  Incidentally, if you think this is an American government plot to steel your freedom, it’s working in Asia better than in the U.S.  It’s also worth noting that COVID infection rates per capita are much lower in Thailand than in the U.S.

Thailand Pass

As of November 1st, 2021 Thailand 'eased' their entry requirements under the COVID-19 pandemic. Americans and the citizens of some other nations are exempt from needing a visa to enter Thailand as a tourist. However, additional pandemic restrictions apply. A new 'certificate off entry' called "Thailand Pass" is required. Thailand Pass applications are exempt from quarantine (Test and Go).  This actually means one night in a Thai government certified SHA+/AQ hotel until you post arrival RT-PCR test result.  

 

A Thailand Pass applications must be made online. Approval and subsequent QR code is necessary to board a plane bound for Thailand. The following is needed to apply for Thailand Pass:

. Travel visa.  Americans and some other nationals are exempt - same as pre-COVID.
. Passport with 6 months validity
. USD50,000 hospitalization insurance that covers COVID treatment - purchase at AXA or misterprakan.com

. Hotel booking at a SHA+/AQ government certified hotel.  These hotels provide the COVID testing necessary.  You must stay at least one night.

. Proof of being ‘fully’ vaccinated with Thai government approved vaccine (all the most popular are accepted).  

. Flight itinerary.  

 

Documentation does not specify round-trip and I was approved WITHOUT round-trip.  But I recommend submitting your round-trip itinerary.

 

Note: you must fly direct or remain transit to avoid the need to meet additional special entry requires for other countries along the way.  If you have a non-confirmed flight (i.e. flying standby), you will need to meet entry requirements for each transit country.

 

Information about Thailand Pass and applying can be found here:

https://www.thaiembassy.com/travel-to-thailand/thailand-pass

 

Application for Thailand Pass

 

To apply, you will need .jpg or .png electronic versions of your hotel confirmation, flight itinerary, insurance, vaccination card, and passport (title page only).  

 

Note: as of early December 2021, the Thailand Pass online application system does not accept .pdf files.  Take pictures of your passport and vaccine card.  To submit .pdf files made screen captures of the .pdf  confirmation documents before applying. When I applied in early December 2021, they said the application process takes 3-7 days(*).  Mine took 8 days.  I applied 12 days before departure. My wife’s was submitted one day later and took 7 days.

 

* I know of a person who was denied a boarding pass at check-in because he had the wrong type of COVID test.  American Airlines was gracious enough to allow him to reschedule his flight (within a week).  He rescheduled for a departure five days later and re-applied for Thailand Pass.  His application was approved two days later after a follow-up email explaining the situation.

 

As of December 12, 2021 - Thailand Pass app (Morchana) and the online application site is having difficulty.

 

Approval

 

Once you successfully apply, you will receive a confirmation number on screen that you can use to track your application.  You will also get an email confirmation.  Unfortunately, when you check status, all it tells you is that it’s ‘processing’ until it’s approved.  Once approved you will received an email notice with a .pdf attachment.  This is the QR code needed to board and enter Thailand.  Print this file and keep it for your trip.  You will need it to register on arrival.

 

COVID RT-PCR test

 

The ‘RT’ in RT-PCR does NOT stand for rapid test.  Rapid tests do NOT qualify.  RT-PCR tests are also known as PCR, NAA and TMA.  A Delta flight attendant told me she heard that PCR tests from Walgreens and CVS are not acceptable.  It’s hear-say to me and I have no experience with it.  If someone has experience that can refute this, please do.  A negative test is required no more than 72 hours before entry.  However (big HOWEVER), you must have the result before you can get on the plane.  Carefully calculate the 72s before your arrival considering time zones and datelines.  I suggest making the test appointment for about 70 hours prior to scheduled arrival to maximize the time needed to get the result.  It’s these unpredictable time frames that can derail the process.  In my case I got the PCR test early afternoon two days before departure.  I asked about turn around time from my PCR test provider before scheduling the test.  They told me to state that the test is for travel and it will be rushed (12 to 24 hour turnaround time).  Mine test result took about 10 hours.  I don’t know how expediting works with other providers, but it’s worth asking.

 

*** Important *** You have to have the negative result BEFORE boarding your first flight in the itinerary.

 

Paper or digital

 

I strongly recommend printing 2 copies of all your docs.  Do NOT fold your Thailand Pass QR code.  It’s very fine and I had trouble scanning mine when the time came.  At one check point (Korean Air transfer desk) passengers were asked to email their digital versions of documents to an eamil address and they printed them out because they would not accept electronic versions on cell phones.  And this is coming from one of the most technologically advance countries in the world.  Emailing and printing delays the process for everyone.  The lines are long and they move slow.  

 

Ironically, Thailand Pass is designed to help prevent the spread of COVID but the long crowded line you stand in for an hour at each stop is not helping with that goal.

Departure day

Allow more time than usual to check in.  You can not normally check in online when traveling internationally.  Be sure the check-in agent knows your final destination is Thailand.  They usually ask, but if they don’t it could cause problems.   The agent is responsible for verifying that you met the entry requirements for the country of destination. I had to share all the documents for Thailand Pass listed above, including the negative RT-PCR test result.

Special notes for standby (non-rev) passengers

 

If you are flying from the U.S. to Thailand, you will be transit somewhere.  If you have a non-confirmed ticket from your transit location to Thailand, you must also meet the entry requirements for the transit location.  The best way is to purchase a confirmed ticket from the transit location to Thailand.  It may be possible to book a refundable confirmed ticket to use in case you can not make standby.  This will enable boarding at origin, avoid the need for meeting entry requirements at the transit location, and provide a solution if you are unable to make standby.  The timing of this could be exceedingly difficult, but I’ll leave that to standby travelers to figure out.

In Transit

 

When arriving at your transit location, you must transfer from the arrival gate to the departing gate.  This may be straight forward or not depending on the airport.  In Incheon International Airport (Seoul South Korea), you must go to the transfer desk.  Koreans tend to be very thorough and at times it seems, redundant.  Even though you do not leave the secured area on arrival, you must go through a security check point before going to your departure gate.  This is not new due to COVID.  They have added a new temperature check station though.  Security screening is basically like TSA in the U.S.  You are subject to carry-on bag x-ray and metal detectors, etc.  If they choose to look in your bag the delay will cause you to be last in line when you reach the transfer desk.

 

Transfer desk

 

The transfer desk was designed for pre-COVID processes and has not been updated to handle the extra stress of COVID requirements.  Post COVID processes are more complicated and take longer.  The transfer desk is relatively small (only three counters).  Each counter may have 10 to 15 people waiting.  I was near the end of the transfer desk line and it took a little more than 30 minutes to reach the counter.  My documents were all in order and there were no questions about them.  It took about 20 minutes to get my travel documents checked and Korean Air boarding pass issued.  So plan for almost an hour at the transfer desk.

Incheon Airport is physically one of the biggest in the world.  It was designed to be an efficient 21^st century gateway to Asia.   It is huge, modern and accommodating.  Pre-COVID it was vibrant and full of people.  In December 2021 at the prime transfer time seemed nearly empty.  It’s a long walk from the transfer desk to the gate, about 15 minutes.

 

It felt very odd that the transfer desk area was so small, remote and cramped.  With the airport at a fraction of the pre-COVID volume, you would think Korean Air would expand or annex some unused space AND STAFF to deal with the bottleneck caused by the new COVID-era processes.   

 

Arrival in Thailand

 

If you make it this far, it’s a breeze from hear on out.  Thailand Pass has it’s difficulties, but the execution on the ground at the Bangkok airport is pretty smooth and efficient in my experience.  Upon deplaning, security personnel guided passengers along the way.  The first stop is a Thailand Pass counter set up just before the immigration counter.  They have two rows of chairs stretching down the arrival hall.  Passengers are instructed to sit in the chairs. The chairs fill up as passengers arrive.  A security person comes along and checks to make sure you have the necessary documents but does not verify them.  There were about 50 passengers ahead of me and I waited less than 10 minutes before I was instructed to go to the Thailand Pass counter. There are about 8 counters.  There was no wait.  It took about 2 minutes each person to verify our documents and send us on to immigration.  Immigration is the normal passport control process.  The immigration process also took about 2 minutes each person.  The lines were short, about two people in each line.  There were many immigration officers in the immigration area watching over the process.

 

Need Boarding pass for tracing.

 

The one document that I was not expecting to show was my boarding pass for the arriving flight.  They use this for contact tracing if you turn up positive.  Try to have it with you for presentation at the Thailand Pass counter.  It will not prevent you from going on, but it makes things smoother if you have it.

 

Customs and arrival

 

When you clear customs you proceed to the usual baggage claim and customs.  I did not have check baggage and Customs personnel waived us through.  From there we exited Exit C to the main arrival hall.  There are signboards with all the SHA+/AQ hotel names and logos.  You simply walk up to the board with your hotel on it and point at it and a handler will get you and take you to a nearby seating/holding area until all the passengers are collected.  It’s a good idea to exchange money and purchase a SIM card in the arrival hall before connecting with your hotel.  Once you make contact they have you sit in a waiting area while the collect the other arriving passengers.  From there you load on a mini van and go to the hotel.  

 

SHA+/AQ hotel check-in and COVID test

 

I believe all SHA+/AQ hotels provide meals because you can not leave until you get a post arrival negative test result.  My hotel offered us a choice of breakfast at check-in and asked what time we wanted it served. Immediately after check-in the hotel staff helped us download the Thailand Pass phone app and gave us a PCR test.  Our test was given at 1:00 a.m. and we were told the result would come back between 10:00 and 11:00 the same morning - about 10 hours later.  

 

Morchana

 

Morchana is the name of the Thailand Pass phone app that must be installed before leaving the SHA+/AQ hotel. It’s for testing and tracing.  The bell boy assisted with getting it downloaded and installed.  To set it up we had to scan our Thailand Pass QR code, take a selfie and that’s it until the test results come in.  After scanning the QR code and loading the information the app produced an error.  The bell boy helped us try a couple of things to get around the error.  But it did not work.  He said they had been problems and that it was probably due to congestion.  Try again in the morning.

 

The Morchana app was still having problems the next morning and we could not load the results into the app.  The hotel staff said don’t worry about it and said everyone else is having the same problem.  They let us leave the hotel and advised us to try again when we take the ATK (Rapid home test).  If you are staying in Thailand for 7 days or more, the hotel will give you the ATK test kit.  You must test yourself on the seventh day and upload the result into the Morchana app.

 

Note:  If your post arrival PCR test is positive you will have to stay at the hotel in quarantine until you get negative tests. I don’t exactly know the details but you should choose your hotel carefully, because you will have to pay for several more nights.  Our tests were negative and we were allowed to leave the hotel late morning.

 

To recap, it’s much more strenuous to pass all the boarding check points than it is to enter Thailand.

 

Mask Mandate and COVID rates

 

As of mid December 2021 there is a public mask mandate for all of Thailand.  If you are in public you must wear a mask - indoors or outdoors.  Compliant rates are very high.  I haven’t seen anyone not wearing a mask.  I also read that masks with vents are non-compliant.  COVID rates per capita in Thailand are about one tenth that of the U.S.  With EVERYONE wearing masks  -properly- it sure feels safer to be here in Thailand.

 

 

[swissie]

(short): Lady friend entered Thailand on Dec 9th. ALL THE REQUIRED PAPERWORK WAS IN ORDER, (as required). Including 24 hour hotel quarantaine. Absolutely no problems whatsoever. A flawless well organised procedure with no "hassles".

[mfd101]

Based on the above account, I don't think I'll be traveling outside Thailand perhaps ever, at least until death do us part.

 

Never mind. Travel is best in the mind.

[DrJack54]

10 hours ago, Marvest said:

 If you are in public you must wear a mask - indoors or outdoors.  Compliant rates are very high.  I haven’t seen anyone not wearing a mask

First up thanks for detailed report.

 

Think couple statements bit of overstated. Especially in regards to masks after arrival.

True uniformly worn in streets etc.

Attached is pic Nov 27 Pattaya fireworks. Hardly mask in sight. 

Same when out restaurants/bars etc. 

 

Regards return flight, any onward flight will suffice.

 

Reading your post, I notice no mention of ties to Thailand. Surely you wouldn't come just for holiday.

 

Personally I wouldn't go through any of that process unless it was to see partner/family living in Thailand.

 

[The Hammer2021]

DISINFORMATION Your photograph is not an accurate depiction of mask wearing habits among Thais especially on the night you refer to. You cheated by using a photograph of people who were eating and drinking. I was out in Pattaya on fireworks night  a few weeks ago.. 99% mask compliance and there are videos on line to prove it. Look at the video.

everybody is wearing masks.

Edited December 13, 2021 by The Hammer2021

[DrJack54]

18 minutes ago, The Hammer2021 said:

DISINFORMATION Your photograph is not an accurate depiction of mask wearing habits among Thais especially on the night you refer to.

Try reading my post accurately.

Here is what I stated in regards to mask wearing in streets. 

 

"True uniformly worn in streets etc."

 

I was at Pattaya for that week.

Places like Tree Town. etc full on bar drinking zero masks. 

Beach scene I posted is what a Photoshop.

What's your point.

 

This long weekend our local upstairs restaurant/bar with live music Zero masks. BTW two night we couldn't get in Full.

So went to new food/market close by JOOD Fair. (same owners Ratchada night train). VERY busy folk walking with alcohol and restaurants full. Zero masks. 

 

Tomorrow I'm meeting couple friends Soi 4 for catch up.

Mask will be worn on the way there. That's it.

 

This Thursday Koh Samet for few weeks and masks on beach areas and restaurants/bars will be zero.

 

There is only one disinformation post I can see. Not mine. 

 

Edited December 13, 2021 by DrJack54

[HashBrownHarry]

1 hour ago, swissie said:

(short): Lady friend entered Thailand on Dec 9th. ALL THE REQUIRED PAPERWORK WAS IN ORDER, (as required). Including 24 hour hotel quarantaine. Absolutely no problems whatsoever. A flawless well organised procedure with no "hassles".

Totally agree, completed TP day before yesterday, 20 minutes to submit everything, received QR code in 3 hours.

 

Compared to repat flight August 2020, very very easy indeed.

[Marvest]

9 hours ago, HashBrownHarry said:

" ...received QR code in 3 hours."

Thanks for your input!

 

My son reapplied three days ago and also got a quick approval.  But his flight was schedule for 4 days after he submitted the TP application.  I wondered if they are reviewing applications based on departure date.  I also read that the Thai immigration services completed a major system upgrade during the first week of December.  I wonder if that has something to do with it.

[asiaexpat]

Great detailed report. Thanks. About masks, farangs not wearing masks will usually be asked to put one on and maybe even be reported, so wear it. Thais in BKK generally wear masks but like people everywhere they take it off at every opportunity that is safe. 

[DrJack54]

20 minutes ago, asiaexpat said:

Thais in BKK generally wear masks but like people everywhere they take it off at every opportunity that is safe.

Worn in street, public transport shopping malls etc.

Anything to do with restaurants bars etc non existent. Pic few weeks back.

[worldexpress]

Thanks, OP for the report. Was the CDC vaccine card accepted in the process w/o any hiccup? My card only has name and address.. no passport number or DOB, as I'm sure with most Americans.

[phetphet]

I found it all very easy when I did a return trip from Bangkok to the UK in November. All the information is there on the website. Including that all uploads must be in .jpeg.

The only problem I and some others had was the fact that hotmail email addresses weren't working. Changed to a google one and all went smoothly.

The trick is to read through the Thailand Pass site, then get all your stuff organised before doing the application.

 

I find it too much hassle to have to keep checking though phone for documents when asked, so I printed everything and kept it all in a folder in my backpack, to show as required. UK requirements were/are probably different to the US.

I didn't need any tests to exit or enter the UK at that time 22/Nov. but had to do a day 2 test and a PCR for Fit to Fly for return.

 

[connda]

Thanks for the post. 
I believe what you outlined is the exact reason why the tourism industry in Thailand is not going to recover.  There are too many other tourist destinations in this world that do not require a gantlet of complicated procedures and processes in order to enter their countries. 
Tourist will pick destinations where they can enter a country easily and move freely.
And enjoy an alcoholic beverage in a Night-time Entertainment venue or on a beach.

Excellent post! 

[World Traveller2]

Facemask wearing demographic and context observation after one month in Thailand (Bangkok, Pattaya, Korat and Surin)...

 

Probability of who is wearing masks: old, rich educated females indoors where police are nearby and they are with others - 99.999%

 

Probability of who is likely not wearing masks: young, poor, uneducated males outdoors where there are no police nearby and they are alone - 80%
 

Change any of the factors and percentages change. This is 'ballpark' (approximate).
 

So it is directly related to social class and vulnerability to fines. The exception seems to be low-status cart vendors and security guards (i.e. those whose livelihood, license renewal and wage, are dependent on not breaking the law). Among these persons, compliance is even higher - 99.9999999999%?

 

I have not noticed any difference between Bangkok and non-Bangkok and daytime versus night time.

Edited December 14, 2021 by World Traveller2
add

[Marvest]

2 hours ago, worldexpress said:

Was the CDC vaccine card accepted in the process w/o any hiccup? 

Great question.  I forgot to mention details about the Vaccine card.  My card is a CDC card with Pfizer vaccine.  I have the two initial doses and a booster.  The card does have my birthdate, both in the ID section and in the booster information box.  I was never asked anything about it anywhere along the way.

[Glassjaw]

Everything from applying for pass to my journey and arrival has been very smooth. I’m now awaiting results of my pcr in the hotel and nobody has mentioned anything about the tracking app so far. I am still nervous since so many around me testing positive in London; but the test here was very poorly done. A quick stab in my nostril was all I had !

[Sheryl]

 

.I can verify that PCR tests from CVS are fine for entry. Any PCR test is (NOT antigen test) but there have been issues with airline staff if it does not specifically say "RT-PCR" somewhere on it. Report I got from CVS did.  (Actually all PCR tests are RT-PCR ...there is no other type. But not all results clearly state this).

 

An important correction to OP: the test must be 72 hours before departure, not before arrival.

 

Also it is not required to stay at quarantine hotel for 24 hrs if results are available earlier. You can leave as soon as you receive a negative result. Your package includes 1 night and there is mo tefund if you leave before then, but you can.

 

And lastly, not all Test & Go packages include meals. Some include 3 meals, some 2, some 1 and some none (though they sometimes offer a discoint on room service orders.) This difference greatly confuses attempts at cost comparison.

[Rimmer]

A very derogatory post has been removed

[World Traveller2]

1 minute ago, Sheryl said:

 

.I can verify that PCR tests from CVS are fine for entry. Any PCR test is (NOT antigen test) but there have been issues with airline staff if it does not specifically say "RT-PCR" somewhere on it. Report I got from CVS did.  (Actually all PCR tests are RT-PCR ...there is no other type. But not all results clearly state this).

 

An important correction to OP: the test must be 72 hours before departure, not before arrival.

 

Also it is not required to stay at quarantine hotel for 24 hrs if results are available earlier. You can leave as soon as you receive a negative result. Your package includes 1 night and there is mo tefund if you leave before then, but you can.

 

And lastly, not all Test & Go packages include meals. Some include 3 meals, some 2, some 1 and some none (though they sometimes offer a discoint on room service orders.) This difference greatly confuses attempts at cost comparison.

Which country are you referring to in this reply. I surmise it is Thailand.

 

You are so correct Sheryl. Misunderstandings by airline staff about timing of PCR tests, stop-overs, when one left the country versus first domestic flight - it's complicated! I spent two night in a transit lounge outside Paris (CDG) due to this kind of confusion

[Stefanix]

Those 72h are meant before DEPARTURE. I visited Bangkok mid of November and arrived clearly more than 72h after the test result timestamp. They calculated the hours carefully at the Covid checkpoint and there was no problem. Mor Chana: Nobody asked for the app to be installed and I did not use it during the whole trip. ATK was traveling with me without being used (used it later back home). Nobody asked for Mor Chana during my stay. Some places asked for a vaccination certificate. They all accepted the European digital certificate on the mobile phone.

[Stefanix]

I understand that there are RT-PCR tests and PCR tests, two slightly different methods. Does anybody know if PCR tests (without "RT-") are accepted as well?

[daveAustin]

Well done. To flog a dead horse, I wouldn’t equate infection rates between Thailand and US, or anywhere else, as a result of any measure such as mask wearing. Testing rates within Thailand are still woefully inadequate and there is no incentive—i.e. go to hospital! Infect Rates are likely the same as elsewhere. 

 

Travelling post-911 was stressful enough but this is a while nother ballgame. You’d have to be mad to want to go for couple weeks to a largely closed shop and then have the real risk of turning up positive and being sectioned. What an absolute s**T time to be around. On par with the dark ages. 

 

 

[GrandPapillon]

global travelling is not ready for prime time yet, maybe march 2022 at the earliest

 

nobody is coming to Thailand, no matter the "restrictions"

[CMBob]

52 minutes ago, Sheryl said:

....An important correction to OP: the test must be 72 hours before departure, not before arrival....

Correct for Thailand if you mean the first international departure; however, at least one transit location (Singapore, for example) requires a shorter time period so one should check both Thai requirements, airline requirements, and transit location requirements to make sure you comply with the required time limits.

 

[Sheryl]

1 hour ago, World Traveller2 said:

Which country are you referring to in this reply. I surmise it is Thailand.

 

You are so correct Sheryl. Misunderstandings by airline staff about timing of PCR tests, stop-overs, when one left the country versus first domestic flight - it's complicated! I spent two night in a transit lounge outside Paris (CDG) due to this kind of confusion

It was to Thailand that I came with PCR from CVS but would work just as well for Cambodia. Result stated RT-PCT.

[Sheryl]

55 minutes ago, Stefanix said:

I understand that there are RT-PCR tests and PCR tests, two slightly different methods. Does anybody know if PCR tests (without "RT-") are accepted as well?

All COVID PCR tests are RT-PCR. There is no way to do a COVID PCR test without the initial RT step. Physically impossible.

 

However airline personnel are not scientists abd have no way of knowing this, and there have been reports of airline staff not accepting results that did not include the exact phrase "RT-PCR".

[onekoolguy]

I actually read it all! Thanks for your detailed post.

I returned 6 december and most of my experience was a little different.

The pcr test at CVS was drive through and best of all Free! Notice comes email next day.

Getting thai pass very stressful! 6 hours on computer and phone calls to numbers seldom answered took 10 days. My friend who did hers on her phone in 10 minutes was approved in 6 hours!

On masks, yes you need to wear, but long meals and sleeping with blankets pulled up high. Ment that they were not so strict. In Thailand my mask has vents but they are filtered both ways. No one confronts me. The filters are 2.5 and far more effective than medical masks  On mor Chana. I had a cheap phone ready to install the program but was never asked to do so.

I booked a very good hotel so no waiting, private car waiting. Pcr test at check in. Just me. Fast service option and had result in two hours.

There are a lot of moving parts to the Thai Pass and all have to mesh. That's

stressful. Other than that easy!

[DFPhuket]

I’ve entered Thailand twice and can confirm that the test results must be no more than 72 hours before your first flight. I had a PCR swab at CVS on a Sunday afternoon, results on Tuesday, flight scheduled to depart on Wednesday night but due to a mechanical issue with the plane departure was delayed until Thursday night. I arrived in Phuket on Saturday. 
 

That long gap from pre departure PCR to arrival PCR probably explains many of the positive on arrival results. 

[Stefanix]

15 minutes ago, Sheryl said:

All COVID PCR tests are RT-PCR. There is no way to do a COVID PCR test without the initial RT step. Physically impossible.

 

However airline personnel are not scientists abd have no way of knowing this, and there have been reports of airline staff not accepting results that did not include the exact phrase "RT-PCR".

Thanks for this info!

I found some info with Google that there are different PCR testing methods:

https://driphydration.com/blog/rapid-pcr-vs-rt-pcr/

https://www.enzolifesciences.com/science-center/technotes/2017/march/what-are-the-differences-between-pcr-rt-pcr-qpcr-and-rt-qpcr?/

I have no knowledge of this subject and am a bit confused now. Can you comment on those without going too deep into details? Thanks!

[Marvest]

1 hour ago, Sheryl said:

 

.I can verify that PCR tests from CVS are fine for entry. ....snip... the test must be 72 hours before departure, not before arrival.

Thanks Sheryl for input and making this information better!

Edited December 14, 2021 by Marvest